o sister, where art thou?

Noah and Charlotte share a bedroom. Well, to be more exact, the mattress from the top bunk of Charlotte's bed lies on the floor next to Noah's cage. (Charlotte's room is mostly abandoned these days, except for climbing practice.) This is the best arrangement we've found for getting the beasts to sleep.

Though better than all other configurations we've tried, the arrangement is not without its challenges. Charlotte generally likes to keep little brother awake in the evening. They talk and sometimes pass loot over the demarcation zone to each other. Bedtime finally arrives when she decides it is so.

Noah awoke before Charlotte this morning. He chatted with himself for a while (maybe 15 minutes) and performed some dance moves. Yet still, big sister remained asleep. Noah thought enough was enough. He decided to take matters into his own hands, literally, and wake Charlotte himself. Still confined to his cage, he lobbed a teddy bear in her direction. Fairly effortlessly, and without appearing to be awake, she grabbed the projectile from the mattress and swept it aside. Then she got up and walked to our room without uttering a word.

Noah, bless his little heart, then began calling out "Lotte, where are you? Lotte, where are you?"

With that said, we'll reiterate: this is the best arrangement we've found.

bustin' some moves

On Friday mornings, a brass ensemble plays music near Charlotte and Noah's daycare. Charlotte particularly liked the music this week, most especially the Stevie Wonder cover. She made sure we stayed long enough for a few songs and even required mama to get more money to show our appreciation. (Here is a link to the first video if it doesn't auto-populate.)

As you can see, she really enjoyed it. (Here is a link to the second video if it doesn't auto-populate.)

Noah wasn't really feeling it this morning. But the little man also enjoys dancing. (Here is a link to another video if it doesn't auto-populate.)

what's the innocent form of stalker?

Noah has a favorite baby: baby Iona. He perks up anytime her name is mentioned and begins repeating "Ona," "Ona," "Ona." If we mention Iona's parents by name, Noah ensures we remember to include "Ona" too.

During brunch one day, after Iona had gone down for a nap, Noah was content just watching the baby monitor as his little girlfriend slept.

camouflage

Penny, avoiding the sun, in one of her favorite outdoor hiding places